Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

December 11th, Friday.

The Inter-School Exchange Tournament had officially concluded.

Yet, discussions about this year's event still buzzed with excitement.

Past tournaments had been thrilling—but nothing like this.

From the students' relentless shutouts...

To Natsume-sensei's jaw-dropping dominance in the teacher matches.

That merciless, signature sweep?

Pure Natsume-sensei style.

"Please, have some mercy!"

"New fan, huh? This is just normal for him."

"I get it, but... THAT Togepi was SO CUTE!"

Sure, his strategies were dirty.

But with his striking looks, plus an adorable Sylveon and Togepi...

If you love cute Pokémon, you're already a fan.

Post-tournament, reporters swarmed Celadon School's team.

Oddly, every standout student credited one name:

"It's thanks to Natsume-sensei's guidance that I could perform my best."

Wally met the cameras with a steady gaze and a small smile.

"I'm truly... so grateful to him."

Transferring to Celadon, receiving a Pokédex, bonding with new partners—

Natsume-sensei had helped him find closure.

Gladion, arms crossed, toyed with his golden bangs.

"Nothing to say. Just met Natsume-sensei's expectations."

The audience and rival students winced.

"Expectations"... like sweeping 3:0?

So HE'S the mastermind!

"Professor Erika," a reporter asked, "what are your thoughts on Natsume-sensei replacing you as leader?"

Erika tucked her short hair behind an ear, smiling.

"Strength-wise, it was the right call."

Silence.

Erika was Kanto's leader.

Even if Natsume had beaten Aspertia and Rustboro Gyms...

Surely, he couldn't surpass her?

Yet, she'd admitted inferiority.

Was the rumor true?

Was Natsume-sensei just here to flex?!

A Tokyo Evening News reporter scribbled furiously:

[Kanto Leader: "He's Better Than Me!" Team Solidified—Natsume-Sensei Eyes Kanto!]

...

Natsume's mood was... complicated.

First, he'd accidentally collected another badge—Erika's Rainbow Badge.

He'd never planned on Gym challenges, yet his badge pile kept growing.

At this rate, I could sell the Saffron and Tokyo Badges for cash!

"Still, four slots left." He massaged his temples.

Second, as the tournament's "Best Instructor" and "Staff MVP"...

He'd earned two resource rewards.

No way I'm picking TMs.

After snagging Rock Slide from Roxanne, his home's structural integrity was at risk.

Items like Flame Orb or Electirizer?

Too hazardous.

After agonizing, he finally decided.

"First, the Soothe Bell."

Less for himself—more for his Pokémon.

Togepi would love it.

Boosted friendship, and prep for potential evolution.

Sure, Sylveon already has one... but good parents don't play favorites.

"Togepi~"

A tiny bell jingled merrily on its shell as it scampered around.

'Togepi doo-ee~(≧◇≦)'

Arcanine and Gengar hurried after it, while Natsume chuckled.

"Second item... this one."

The MVP reward was the most coveted—even Gym Leaders eyed it.

(No wonder Roxanne and Cheren had joined the teacher matches.)

"A Life Orb?" The staff member grinned. "Excellent choice!"

Its life energy could amplify moves—whether equipped or extracted.

But Natsume-sensei?

"It's... pink. And cute."

(Obviously, he'd never say that aloud.)

"Ahem."

That pink-purple orb would look lovely on Sylveon.

Sure, Life Orb had recoil—but subtle daily use could strengthen its body.

A long-overdue gift for his first partner.

"Sylveon?"

The snow-furred Pokémon perked up, a glossy gem now dangling from its ribbon.

"Looks good on you."

"Sylveon! o(｀^｀)o"

It stiffened, nose tilting up proudly as he patted its head.

"Let's go home."

"Sylveon~~"

...

Soothe Bell for Togepi. Life Orb for Sylveon.

But Natsume believed in fairness.

Post-tournament rewards for all.

Online orders:

Gengar: Two Dusk Stones

Squirtle: Mystic Water

Arcanine: Two Fire Stones

Natsume checked the bill.

"Huh?"

Did I just lose money winning this tournament?

...Whatever. A mere 6 million Pokédollars.

Cynthia, busy with research, simply nodded when he mentioned returning to Saffron City.

"See you there."

...Wait.

Both houses are hers.

Natsume rubbed his chin.

When do I get a landlady wife as a prize?

On the train back, he opened his system rewards.

Tournament loot plus system bonuses?

Talk about double happiness—

His face twitched.

[Claim rewards?]

"Yes."

[Ding! Obtained: Scope Lens ×1, Skill Level-Up Ticket ×1, Love Ball ×1!]

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